Description
This motorcycle is Lot 316 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on October 10th – 11th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 201 - 407 are to be sold from 11AM local time on Sunday 11th October 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 10th & 11th October 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 316
Offered from The John Surtees Family Collection
1951 BMW 594cc R67
Registration no. UMM 93
Frame no. 610641
Engine no. 610641
BMW recommenced motorcycle production in December 1948 with the R24 single, but it would be another 12 months before a twin-cylinder model became available again. This was the R51/ 2 based, as its designation suggests, on the pre-war R51. Improvements included a two-way damped front fork, a gearbox mainshaft damper, and a strengthened frame. In truth, the R51/ 2 was only a stopgap model to get production under way while BMW worked on something more modern. Its replacement, the R51/ 3, arrived in February 1951 and despite the similarity in designation had an entirely new and much neater looking engine incorporating a single gear-driven camshaft and a crankshaft-mounted generator among a host of other advances. There was also a 594cc R67 version, intended primarily for sidecar duty, one of which is offered here.
Currently showing a total of 67, 551 miles on the odometer, this BMW R67 is believed to have been acquired by John Surtees circa 1984, which is supported by a photocopy of an earlier V5 registration document on file. It is understood that the motorcycle underwent extensive refurbishment in 2001 by Bowbury Engineering, with detailed invoices and parts lists accompanying the machine. The original tool box contains a rider's handbook, spare spark plugs, wire and tools. Accompanying documentation includes the following:
Current V5C Registration Certificate
Photocopy V5C
Previous V5 registration document
2003 SORN declaration
2001 MoT certificate
2001 BMW Club dating letter
2001 Bowbury Engineering invoice (£2, 845), together with a comprehensive breakdown of parts and labour, including cylinder head overhaul
2001 BEMW receipt
DVLA correspondence
Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding. Offered with headlamp key.
£4, 000 - 6, 000
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, mileage, engine capacity and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
